Out Into the Unknown | Thoughts on My Future

You know how sometimes you feel like you can only see a part of the road ahead of you (the next day or the next week), but you can't see a year from now or two years from now?

Photo taken at the Grand Canyon in Arizona
Rachel Shaw Photography

Well, trusting a known God for a unknown-to-me future is kinda like that. Like put your hand in front of you and picture a road but block half of it. That is similar to what every senior is feeling right now.
So, I wanted to quickly hop on the blog to share what I'm learning!

Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil."

A friend shared and reminded me of Proverbs 3:5 and specifically applied it to the area of my future when I felt like it was unknown. Immediately I thought, "Oh, wow! I never thought about that verse pertaining to senior year! That's great!" and really it applies to every walk of life!

As a senior in high school, there are so many decisions ahead of me that can change the course of my life. Where to go to college and what to study are just a few of the huge decisions that we have to make! Fortunately, I'm not alone in making these decisions! I have wise leaders, parents, and grandparents to ask for their advice and wisdom!

With all this pressure (including a time crunch to apply, take a standardized test, etc.), it's easy to be bogged down by the worries of if I'll make the right choice. Fears and uncertainties about the future like:

What will my future look like? Who will I date and marry one day? What if I find out I don't like my future full-time work experience? What if I get the degree and I realize this is not what I want to do with my life? Would years, time, and money be wasted?

And honestly, time and money would not be wasted if I went down a career path I didn't like. Because God is sovereign, we know as Christians that nothing is wasted -- not even a changed major. So, even when we go down a path we regret, those hard things can be redeemed at the cross. A changed major could teach you and I some life-lessons that we needed to learn! There is hope; all is not lost if you decide to change your mind!
And if I choose not to go to college the first year, that's okay too!

I am choosing not to go down a trail of thoughts asking "What If?"
Because tomorrow is not promised. Because today needs to be lived. Because I need to trust God with my uncertainties and trust Him for today -- everyday. Remember "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:7)

Throughout the unknowns, I am known. I know for certain that whatever career path I choose (even a gap year), however I make a living for the rest of life, that God is sovereignly orchestrating every aspect of my life. If I go down one path and regret it, it's not a mistake.


So, as I make my way out into the unknown, I am filled with joy. I'm excited about the path ahead! I'm thankful I don't have to make these choices alone. By summer, I will be embarking on a brand new journey -- whether that includes college or work or not!

Seniors, let's make our years reflect our trust in our Savior!
Let's live remembering that we are known and loved and trust Him with our future ~ next week, next semester, next year, and the years ahead! After all, our days are not really ours; God gifts us each day to give back to Him!

~Rachel